Domestic partnership registry heads back to appeals court

The State Supreme Court will not hear an appeal of a lawsuit challenging Wisconsin’s domestic partnership registry, after justices on Monday turned down a request from the Fourth District Court of Appeals to take up the case directly.

The lawsuit filed by Wisconsin Family Action claims the registry created under then-Governor Jim Doyle violates the state’s Constitutional ban on gay marriage that was approved by voters in 2006. Supporters of the law argue the registry is legal because it only offers a few of the many rights enjoyed by married couples.

A Dane County judge determined the registry does not violate the gay marriage ban. The decision by the state Supreme Court means the case will proceed in the Appellate Court.